Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the tropics right to your table. With its sweet and savory flavors, this recipe features juicy chicken marinated in a perfect mix of teriyaki and pineapple juice. It’s ideal for summer barbecues or any time you want to enjoy delicious grilled chicken.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add some variety to their dinner routine. It combines simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Plus, the marinade is so easy to make, and the grilling brings out the chicken’s amazing flavor. Not to mention, it’s a dish that friends and family love, making it a great option for gatherings.
How to Make Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Mix well.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and ensure it’s well coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Once cooked, transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with rice or a salad.
How to Serve Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken
Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken is best served hot. You can enjoy it alongside steamed rice, a fresh salad, or some grilled vegetables. The garnishes of green onions and sesame seeds add an extra touch that makes the dish look attractive and taste even better.
How to Store Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken
If you have leftovers, cool the chicken down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It can last for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the marinaded chicken before cooking, which can be great for meal prep.
Tips to Make Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Always check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- For a bit of heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Variation
You can swap out the chicken for pork chops or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also experiment by adding other tropical fruits, like mango or papaya, to the marinade for a fun twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They might cook faster, so monitor the grilling time closely.
2. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use tofu or Portobello mushrooms as a substitute for chicken. Make sure to adjust the marinating time accordingly.
3. Can I make this dish in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce Choose a good quality teriyaki sauce.
- ½ cup pineapple juice Fresh juice gives better flavor.
- ¼ cup brown sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
- ¼ cup soy sauce Low sodium soy sauce can be used for a healthier option.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated Grate just before use for maximum flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil Adds a nutty flavor to the marinade.
Chicken and Garnish
- 6 pieces chicken thighs or breasts Bone-in thighs will have more flavor.
- green onions, chopped For garnish.
- sesame seeds For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Mix well.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and ensure it’s well coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Grilling
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Once cooked, transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
